Hydraulic Patents (Class 123/90.55)
  • Publication number: 20040074463
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket, comprising, a body including a plurality of passages, a first surface, a second surface, and an outer surface; the first surface is configured to accommodate an insert; the second surface is configured to cooperate with an engine workpiece; the outer surface is configured to cooperate with the inner surface of an engine workpiece; and at least one of the surfaces is fabricated through forging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Dhruva Mandal, Carroll Williams
  • Patent number: 6718923
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to functionally improve a hydraulic play compensation element for a valve gear of an internal combustion engine. To this end, the play compensation element is characterized by the following features. Both components (4; 6) enclose a pressure chamber (7) between them, which is sealed from the exterior and which has a volume that depends on the relative position of both components (4; 6). A pressure spring (5) that presses both components (4; 6) away from one another is mounted inside the pressure chamber (7). The pressure chamber (7) can be connected to the storage chamber (8) via a spring-loaded one-way valve (10) through which media can flow exclusively into the pressure space. An additional controllable stop valve (11) is provided in the connection of the pressure chamber (7) to the storage chamber (8). A throttling channel (17), which serves as a bypass to the one-way valve (10), is provided between the pressure chamber (7) and the controllable stop valve (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Ventiltrieb GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Barth, Oliver Fritz, Volker Korte, Martin Lechner, Christoph Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20040065285
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve having a valve element, a rocker arm having a pivot point, a first end, and a second end, and a valve actuator. The valve actuator has a body member having a chamber adapted to receive a fluid, a seat, and a passageway adapted to conduct fluid into and out of the chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the chamber of the body member and is operatively engaged with the second end of the rocker arm. A control valve is connected to the passageway. The control valve has a first position where fluid is allowed to flow relative to the passageway to allow the body member to move relative to the piston until the seat moves into engagement with the piston to thereby move the piston to pivot the rocker arm and actuate the engine valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ali Uludogan, Bryan A. White, Stephen M. Wiley, Robert L. Miller, Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 6691652
    Abstract: A variable valve drive for a cam-actuated lift valve of an internal combustion engine which is loaded by a closing pressure against the direction of opening, includes a hydraulic power generating device acting on the lift valve against the closing force with a control piston arranged longitudinally displaceable in a cylinder and adjacent to a hydraulic control chamber, a stroke of the lift valve produced by an actuating cam being at least reducible by removing hydraulic liquid from the control chamber by means of a control valve. In order to arrange the valve stroke and valve opening as free as possible in the simplest possible way the control chamber is connectable with a high pressure level preferably by means of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kammerdiener, Ludwig Buergler
  • Patent number: 6688266
    Abstract: A valve deactivation assembly (21) comprises part of the valve gear train for an internal combustion engine, and is disposed in a bore (55) defined by the A engine block (11B). The assembly (21) includes a latching mechanism (67) shiftable, in response to control fluid pressure, between latched and unlatched conditions. The assembly (21) includes an outer body member (53), having an outer cylindrical surface (53S), reciprocable within said the bore (55), the outer body member including a lower terminal portion (55L). The outer body member defines an annular sealing groove (75) which remains aligned within the bore (55), between the lower terminal portion (55L) and a passage (72) communicating control fluid pressure the latching mechanism (67), as the outer body member reciprocates. There is also a fluid passage (77) disposed to communicate a source (79) of low pressure to the annular groove (75), to thereby form a barrier to block the migration of air to the control pressure passage (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kynan L. Church, John A. Ness
  • Patent number: 6668776
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes two pin members. The pin members are biased radially outward relative to each other. A portion of each pin member is disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby couple the lifter body to the pin housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Mark J. Spath
  • Publication number: 20030221649
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing lubricant to a plurality of hydraulic lifters in an internal combustion engine is disclosed, in which the amount of gas bubbles present in the lubricant provided to the lifters is reduced or eliminated so that lifter noise is reduced or prevented. The apparatus, which is part of an internal combustion engine that includes valve trains with hydraulic lifters that are positioned proximate the crankcase and one another, includes a lifter feed gallery that receives lubricant from a feed passage, and communicates the lubricant to lifter feed holes. The lifter feed holes in turn communicate the lubricant to the respective hydraulic lifters. At or near the top of the lifter feed gallery proximate where the feed passage is coupled to the gallery is a single bleed orifice, which diverts gas bubbles away from the gallery and into the crankcase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jonathan Richard Chittenden
  • Patent number: 6655329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable valve train (1) for a cam-actuated lifting valve (13) of an internal combustion engine, which valve (13) is loaded by a closing spring (13a) acting against the direction of opening, with an approximately cylindrical force application element (2) located between a cam (14) and the valve (13), whose length can be adjusted hydraulically and whose exterior cylindrical wall face (3) is slidable in a fixed guide cylinder (4), said element (2) being provided with a pressure piston (6) longitudinally slidable in a cylinder (5), which piston (6) is adjacent to a pressure chamber (7) into which opens a pressure channel (8) departing from a port (9) in the wall face (3) of the force application element (2), a fixed pressure line (11) opening into the guide cylinder (4) in the area of the port (9), which line (11) can be subjected to hydraulic high pressure (pH) permitting hydraulic activation of the valve (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kammerdiener, Peter Herzog, Peter Christian Meurer
  • Patent number: 6651779
    Abstract: An improved lubrication arrangement for an internal combustion engine of the push tube (59) type. A carrier structure (43) is fixed relative to an upper surface of the cylinder head (31) and includes a fixed fulcrum location (49) for each rocker arm (51). The carrier structure (43) defines a lubrication passage (67,69) providing lubrication fluid to the fixed fulcrum location (49). The engine block (11) and the cylinder head (31) cooperate to define a fluid chamber (81) surrounding the push tube (59). Lubrication fluid flows out adjacent the fixed fulcrum location (49) and flows under the influence of gravity into the fluid chamber (81). The push tube defines a plurality of openings (83) whereby lubrication fluid flows from the fluid chamber (81) into the interior (85) of the push tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Majo Cecur
  • Publication number: 20030209215
    Abstract: A valve stroke control for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a control device for adjusting a valve stroke. It interacts with a camshaft and a control shaft. The control device is actuated by a hydraulic medium and has a first control element and a second control element movable relative to one another. The first control element is sleeve-shaped and the second control element is received in the first control element. A rocker lever is acted on by the camshaft. The first control element is supported on the rocker lever and the second control element is supported on the control shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: HYDRAULIK-RING GMBH
    Inventor: Dieter Maisch
  • Publication number: 20030192498
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to functionally improve a hydraulic play compensation element for a valve gear of an internal combustion engine. To this end, the play compensation element is characterized by the following features. Both components (4; 6) enclose a pressure chamber (7) between them, which is sealed from the exterior and which has a volume that depends on the relative position of both components (4; 6). A pressure spring (5) that presses both components (4; 6) away from one another is mounted inside the pressure chamber (7). The pressure chamber (7) can be connected to the storage chamber (8) via a spring-loaded one-way valve (10) through which media can flow exclusively into the pressure space. An additional controllable stop valve (11) is provided in the connection of the pressure chamber (7) to the storage chamber (8). A throttling channel (17), which serves as a bypass to the one-way valve (10), is provided between the pressure chamber (7) and the controllable stop valve (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Rainer Barth, Oliver Fritz, Volker Korte, Martin Lechner, Christoph Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 6626137
    Abstract: A lash adjuster and a method for adjusting lash in an engine valve train are provided. A first component of the lash adjuster is formed from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A second component of the lash adjuster is formed from a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second component has an exterior dimension that is greater than or equal to a corresponding interior dimension of the first component when the lash adjuster is heated to an operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: David E. Hackett
  • Patent number: 6622679
    Abstract: The cup tappet (1) of the invention for a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a hollow cylindrical skirt (2) whose one end (3) is connected to a bottom (5) for making contact with a cam. The skirt (2) has a clearly smaller height than the overall height of the cup tappet (1), and the bottom (5) rises in a roof-like taper from said end (3). By virtue of this configuration, the bottom (5) has a very high rigidity, so that it is possible to minimize its thickness ‘d’ significantly compared to thicknesses of prior art cup tappet bottoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Werner Bretting, Hans Monius
  • Publication number: 20030172890
    Abstract: Described herein is a multicylinder internal-combustion engine provided with an electronically controlled hydraulic device for controlling variable actuation of the valves of the engine. The final phase of the movement of closing the intake valves is slowed down by a hydraulic braking device of an improved type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: C.R.F. SOCIETA CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Francesco Vattaneo, Stefano Chiappini, Macor Lorentino, Dante Malatto
  • Patent number: 6619252
    Abstract: What is proposed is a switchable tappet (1) for the direct transmission of a cam lift to a tappet push rod. The tappet (1) comprises a hydraulic clearance compensation element (31) and has an excellent hydraulic rigidity compared to the prior art. This is achieved by a leak gap positioned radially very far outwards. This leak gap is situated directly between a housing (2) and a pressure piston (4) which, in its turn, encloses an inner element (11) that acts on a tappet push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Henning Karbstein, Martin Rauch, Dieter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6619251
    Abstract: A tappet is used in a valve-operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The tappet has a top wall and the upper surface of the top wall is engaged with a cam. The lower surface is engaged on a poppet valve which moves up and down. A downward projection which has a recess for storing lubricating oil is formed in the middle of the lower surface of the top wall of the tappet, thereby lubricating interfaces with the cam or valve to improve frictional or wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Oozx Inc.
    Inventors: Haruki Kobayashi, Junichi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6615783
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) for the direct transmission of a cam lift to a tappet push rod. A coiled compression spring (15), used as a lost motion spring, for loading the inner element (4) is shifted axially out of a housing (2). For this purpose, the inner element (4) comprises an extension (15a) that projects out of the housing (2) and is surrounded by the coiled compression spring (15). This measure contributes to minimizing the total mass of the switchable tappet (1) because the overall length of the housing (2) is shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ina Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Henning Karbstein, Martin Rauch, Dieter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6606972
    Abstract: In a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine for switching to different valve lifts, said switching element (1) comprising an outer element (2) having an inner element (4) arranged for axial displacement therein, each of the outer and the inner element (2, 4) comprising a reception (11, 9) aligned to each other in a relative position, at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (11, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (9, 11) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner and the outer element (4, 2), at least one part of the high-position stop is configured as an adjustable, separate element (13). This element (13) cooperates through a preferably conical section (15) of its outer periphery with a complementary chamfer (18) on one end (17) of a guide (16) in the outer element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: INA Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Hermann Wenisch, Mario Kuhl, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6598572
    Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster has a plunger assembly the outer end of which can be moved inwardly until the inner end abuts a seal and closes a high pressure chamber, thus preventing further movement. This accommodates any necessary movement of a valve towards its closing position to ensure proper closure. Consequently, net-shaped cams wherein the base circle is not necessarily accurately concentric may be used. A leaf spring ensures opening of the chamber when the base circle of the cam is next reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Majo Cecur, Umberto Nicoli
  • Patent number: 6595174
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said switching element comprising an outer element (2) and an inner element (4) that is arranged for axial displacement in a bore (3) of the outer element (2), each of the outer element (2) and the inner element (4) comprising at least one reception (12, 9) aligned to each other in an axially distant relative position which is achieved through a lost motion spring (8), at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (12, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (12, 9) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner element (4) and the outer element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6591796
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves. First and second plates have portions of flow passages integrally molded therein. The plates are formed preferably by injection molding of a suitable polymer, for example, glass-filled PPA, and are joined together as by cementing or preferably by fusion welding along mating surfaces to form the full pattern of flow passages. The assembly further comprises a retainer for retaining a plurality of individual solenoid-actuated valves in sockets formed in the plates. The retainer is similarly formed preferably by injection molding of a suitable polymer and is formed to function simultaneously as a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew T. Scott
  • Patent number: 6588386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable valve lift system that varies a valve lift in two stages by selectively rigidly engaging a tappet shim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jin-Kook Kong
  • Patent number: 6578535
    Abstract: A valve-deactivation hydraulic valve lifter including a conventional hydraulic lash adjuster means disposed within a pin housing slidably disposed in a lifter body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains opposed locking pins for selectively engaging a circumferential groove including a locking surface in the lifter body whereby the lifter body and the pin housing may be engaged or disengaged to activate or deactivate a pushrod controlling an engine valve. Ends of the locking pins are spherical so that the pins cannot become stuck in corners in the groove. The groove corner is rounded be either a positive radius or a negative radius to remove a sharp corner known to be an originating and propagating point for stress failure of the lifter body in prior art lifters. The edge of each pin and the edge of the locking surface are chamfered to prevent damage to these edges during locking and unlocking. A second surface intermediate an outer surface of the pin housing and the transverse bore is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Albert C. Stone, Carl R. Kangas
  • Publication number: 20030101952
    Abstract: A valve-lash adjuster equipped valve operating device for an internal combustion engine includes a biasing device biasing an engine valve in a valve-closing direction, and a valve drive mechanism opening the engine valve against the spring bias of the biasing device. A hydraulic zero lash adjuster is disposed between the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to provide zero valve lash. A restriction device is provided to restrict a compressive force applied from each of the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to the zero lash adjuster, when the engine is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: HITACHI UNISIA AUTOMOTIVE, LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Uehara, Seiji Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 6564764
    Abstract: A switchable tappet for directly transmitting a cam lift onto a tappet push rod, includes a housing having a push rod distal end which is formed with a ramp surface for contact by a cam. An inner element is placed in a recess of thehousing and has a push rod proximal end formed with an abutment for the push rod. Secured to the push rod proximal end of the inner element is an attachment to extend the inner element beyond the recess of the housing, wherein the attachment has a housing-distal end formed with a shoulder. A helical compression spring extends between the shoulder of the attachment and a rim of the housing for urging the inner element in a direction of the push rod, and conically expands, at least partly, in the direction of the push rod and is wrapped around the attachment of complementary conical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Henning Karbstein, Mario Kuhl, Alfred Borst, Michael Haas
  • Patent number: 6557518
    Abstract: Cylinder deactivation apparatus includes a simplified hydraulic circuit that provides oil to lash adjusters and to cylinder deactivation control passages through restricted passages adjacent the lash adjusters. A control valve, when open, delivers full pressure oil to the lash adjusting mechanisms while the restricted passages allow oil flow to purge air from the control passages but limit control oil pressure so that the valves are operated normally. When the control valve is closed, pressure in the control passages quickly increases, deactivating the valves of the deactivation cylinders. The flow of oil through the control passages when the valve is open is adequate to purge gaseous vapors such as air from the control passages and maintain the system in condition for prompt deactivation of the cylinders when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William Conrad Albertson, Frederick J. Rozario
  • Patent number: 6553950
    Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine with a hydraulic system for variable operation of the valves, the piston for operating each valve includes an auxiliary hydraulic tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Stefano Chiappini, Andrea Pecori, Francesco Vattaneo
  • Patent number: 6550433
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Kevin J. Kinerson, Mark A. Israel, Richard E. Vanderpoel
  • Patent number: 6536391
    Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a leak down land and a support land that are substantially cylindrical. The support land is substantially coaxial relative to the leak down land, and at least a portion of the support land is disposed radially opposite the leak down land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Kunz
  • Publication number: 20030051690
    Abstract: In a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine for switching to different valve lifts, said switching element (1) comprising an outer element (2) having an inner element (4) arranged for axial displacement therein, each of the outer and the inner element (2, 4) comprising a reception (11, 9) aligned to each other in a relative position, at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (11, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (9, 11) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner and the outer element (4, 2), at least one part of the high-position stop is configured as an adjustable, separate element (13). This element (13) cooperates through a preferably conical section (15) of its outer periphery with a complementary chamfer (18) on one end (17) of a guide (16) in the outer element (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Hermann Wenisch, Mario Kuhl, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Publication number: 20030051689
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said switching element comprising an outer element (2) and an inner element (4) that is arranged for axial displacement in a bore (3) of the outer element (2), each of the outer element (2) and the inner element (4) comprising at least one reception (12, 9) aligned to each other in an axially distant relative position which is achieved through a lost motion spring (8), at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (12, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (12, 9) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner element (4) and the outer element (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Oliver Schnell
  • Publication number: 20030041820
    Abstract: In a valve train of an internal combustion engine, which valve train comprises an elongate anti-rotation bridge (6) comprising receptions spaced behind one another for receiving valve tappets configured as roller tappets (4), one of which tappets is arranged in each reception and is directed with a tappet roller (3) toward a cam (2) of a camshaft (1), the roller tappet (4) of the invention comprises on an outer peripheral surface, raised tappet contours (10, 11) that engage into retention grooves of the bridge (6) within the reception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Christof Faria, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6520135
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting valve lift (VVL apparatus) is made up of a substantially cylindrical tappet casing having on an upper end thereof a cam contact portion which comes into contact with a cam which is provided on a camshaft and which has a high lift cam profile; an outer tube coaxially disposed inside the tappet casing; an inner tube coaxially disposed inside the outer tube so as to be axially slidable and circumferentially rotatable; and a helical spring which is disposed between the inner tube and the tappet casing and which constantly urges the inner tube in a direction of increasing an amount of axial displacement of an intake valve. A ramp groove with which pins of the inner tube are engaged is an arcuate groove having a curve of secondary degree. Collision noises in low lift mode are thus arranged to be adequately absorbed. Silence at a low engine speed can therefore be secured and the number of parts is reduced and the weight of the VVL apparatus is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masafumi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6513470
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A plunger having a substantially cylindrical plunger wall with an outer surface is concentrically disposed within the pin housing such that the outer surface of the plunger wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pin housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick John Hendriksma, Mark James Spath
  • Patent number: 6513472
    Abstract: In a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (10), a tappet push rod (2) comprises on its first end (3), a tappet (5) and an uncoupling device (8) made as a single component, and on its second end (4), a hydraulic lash adjuster (15) that acts on a rocker arm. Due to this spatial separation of the lash adjuster (15) from the single component (5, 8), a component (5, 8) is obtained that has a reduced mass and a smaller diameter as well as a relatively simple structure. In addition, the lash adjuster (15) can now be supplied with hydraulic medium directly out of the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Walter Speil, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6510825
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising at least one intake valve and/or exhaust valve moving axially between a closed position and a position of maximum opening and means for moving the valves adapted to move, on command, this valve between the closed position and the position of maximum opening, the valve movement means comprising an elastic member adapted to maintain this valve in the closed position, a hydraulic actuator selectively adapted to move this valve from the closed position to the position of maximum opening by countering the action of the elastic member, and a hydraulic circuit adapted to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic circuit comprising a delivery duct connected to the hydraulic actuator and pumping means adapted to supply pressurized fluid into the delivery duct, the pumping means comprising the elastic member and the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marcello Cristiani, Nicola Morelli
  • Publication number: 20030015158
    Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster has a plunger assembly the outer end of which can be moved inwardly until the inner end abuts a seal and closes a high pressure chamber, thus preventing further movement. This accommodates any necessary movement of a valve towards its closing position to ensure proper closure. Consequently, net-shaped cams wherein the base circle is not necessarily accurately concentric may be used. A leaf sprung ensures opening of the chamber when the base circle of the cam is next reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Majo Cecur, Umberto Nicoli
  • Patent number: 6505592
    Abstract: A valve train for a twin cam engine has three valves per cylinder, including a pair of side-by-side intake valves and a single exhaust valve on an opposite, exhaust side of the combustion chamber. Dual camshafts in a V-type engine separately drive the intake and exhaust cams through a single dual arm intake rocker arm and a single exhaust rocker arm per cylinder, which provides much improved inlet port airflow for improved specific output compared to a single inlet valve engine. The single exhaust valve provides better catalytic converter performance due to lower exhaust heat loss than in four-valve engines of the same output capability. The intake and exhaust valve trains provide coplanar action of the push rods, rocker arms and valve stem axes, yielding an efficient and simplified valve train with a high flow combustion chamber. Additional features and advantages are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan William Hayman, James Joseph Mazzola, III
  • Publication number: 20030005897
    Abstract: A hydraulic system (1) for a switchable valve drive element (10) of an internal combustion engine (33) is provided and includes a throttled connection (13) created from a second channel (9), used to actuate a hydraulic play-compensation element (11) using hydraulic fluid, directly to an external radial side (12) of a coupling element (8). The coupling element (8) is supplied by a first channel (7) with the switching hydraulic pressure. These measures make it possible to keep the first channel (7) as free as possible of undesired air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Henning Karbstein, Lothar von Schimonsky
  • Publication number: 20030000491
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable valve lift system that varies a valve lift in two stages by selectively rigidly engaging a tappet shim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jin-Kook Kong
  • Publication number: 20020195074
    Abstract: To provide a high performance four-stroke internal combustion engine wherein an increase in a side of a cylinder head is prevented and a valve resting mechanism is provided for a valve lifter. In a four-stroke internal combustion engine with a valve resting mechanism includes a valve lifter having a valve resting mechanism interposed between a valve motion cam and a stem of a poppet valve and a valve lifter spring is provided for biasing the valve lifter in a direction in which the valve lifter is normally held in contact with the valve motion cam. A slide pin holder is pressed against the valve lifter by a spring force of the valve lifter spring that is provided on the valve lifter while a shim portion having a predetermined thickness for controlling a relative positional relationship with the valve lifter is formed integrally with a valve lifter top wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Takaaki Tsukui, Hiromi Sumi
  • Patent number: 6497207
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A plunger having a substantially cylindrical plunger wall with an inner surface and an outer surface is concentrically disposed within the pin housing such that the outer surface of the plunger wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pin housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Albert C. Stone, Carl R. Kangas, David M. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20020185091
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Kevin J. Kinerson, Mark A. Israel, Richard E. Vanderpoel
  • Publication number: 20020185095
    Abstract: A switchable tappet for directly transmitting a cam lift onto a tappet push rod, includes a housing having a push rod distal end which is formed with a ramp surface for contact by a cam. An inner element is placed in a recess of the housing and has a push rod proximal end formed with an abutment for the push rod. Secured to the push rod proximal end of the inner element is an attachment to extend the inner element beyond the recess of the housing, wherein the attachment has a housing-distal end formed with a shoulder. A helical compression spring extends between the shoulder of the attachment and a rim of the housing for urging the inner element in a direction of the push rod, and conically expands, at least partly, in the direction of the push rod and is wrapped around the attachment of complementary conical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: INA-SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Henning Karbstein, Mario Kuhl, Alfred Borst, Michael Haas
  • Publication number: 20020170516
    Abstract: The cup tappet (1) of the invention for a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a hollow cylindrical skirt (2) whose one end (3) is connected to a bottom (5) for making contact with a cam. The skirt (2) has a clearly smaller height than the overall height of the cup tappet (1), and the bottom (5) rises in a roof-like taper from said end (3). By virtue of this configuration, the bottom (5) has a very high rigidity, so that it is possible to minimize its thickness ‘d’ significantly compared to thicknesses of prior art cup tappet bottoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Werner Bretting, Hans Monius
  • Patent number: 6477994
    Abstract: The invention provides an electromagnetic driving valve of an internal combustion engine provided with a significantly compact shock absorbing means which can reduce an impact sound and a vibration in a contact portion between a first transmission shaft and a second transmission shaft and reduce an impact sound and a vibration generated at a time when a valve portion sits on an intake and exhaust port at a time of closing a valve. A shock absorbing means (27) is provided between a first transmission shaft (14a) extended upward from a valve portion (3) and a second transmission shaft (14b) extended on the same axis thereof and supporting a movable plate (7) between a pair of electromagnets (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Umemoto, Kenji Abe, Yoshinori Onohara, Kouichi Ikoma
  • Patent number: 6477997
    Abstract: A control apparatus for deactivating one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine has a stepped sleeve slidably receiving a valve stem in a smaller diameter portion and a rocker piston in a larger diameter portion. Hydraulic fluid is retained in the sleeve and a clamping block is positioned adjacent the exterior of the larger diameter portion. When the clamping block is activated to engage the sleeve, the sleeve remains stationary as reciprocating movement of the rocker piston causes the valve to open and close. When the clamping block is not activated, the sleeve is free to move with the piston leaving the engine valve closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ricardo, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell J. Wakeman
  • Publication number: 20020162524
    Abstract: An actuator for actuating a linearly translatable member, such as an engine valve includes a unit trigger actuator, the unit trigger actuator having a trigger being electrically actuatable, a hydraulic cartridge having a selectively translatable component and being operably coupled to the trigger for receiving actuation commands therefrom, the unit trigger actuator being an open loop system. A pivot element is operably coupled to the translatable component and to the engine valve, the pivot element amplifying motion imparted to the pivot element by translatory motion of the piston at the engine valve. A lash adjuster is operably coupled to the pivot element for decoupling the hydraulic cartridge from lash inherent in a plurality of components and assembly of an engine valve arrangement. A method of actuation is further included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: William de Ojeda
  • Publication number: 20020162525
    Abstract: A lifter assembly for an internal combustion engine, including an elongate sleeve having an upper radial wall portion provided with oil feed and oil bleed holes therethrough, through which oil respectively enters and exits the lifter assembly. An elongate, hollow lifter body is reciprocatingly disposed within the sleeve, the lifter body being closed at one end thereof. A plunger is reciprocatingly disposed within the lifter body and has an internal cavity, a low pressure oil reservoir at least partially defined by the plunger internal cavity, the low pressure oil reservoir in at least periodic fluid communication with the oil feed hole, whereby oil from the oil feed hole is received into the low pressure oil reservoir. A high pressure oil reservoir is at least partially defined by the plunger and the lifter body closed end, and is in one-way fluid communication with the low pressure oil reservoir, whereby oil is received into the high pressure reservoir from the low pressure oil reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: John R. Mason, David A. Koblic, Jason Janeczko
  • Patent number: 6474277
    Abstract: A system for controlling the seating of an engine valve is disclosed. The system is designed to bring a hydraulically actuated engine valve to a soft landing on its valve seat. The velocity of the engine valve is reduced as it approaches its seat by progressively throttling the escape of hydraulic fluid from a chamber. The chamber is pressurized as a result of the valve approaching its seat. Accordingly, as the valve approaches its seat, the pressure in the chamber increases, causing the force that opposes the closing motion of the engine valve to increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Vanderpoel, John A. Schwoerer